Perhaps Phillip Masters -- better known as the Puppet Master -- didn't have the notoriety of Dr. Doom or the face for licensed material like Mole Man.
But the gimlet-eyed supervillain with the oversized head and the penchant for sculpture had certainly put in his time at The House Of Ideas. That's why when I read the latest issue of "Ms. Marvel" yesterday I was shocked to find that he was blown to kingdom come.
In a word, deeeeeeeeed.
It is only fair to mention here that it was, in the end, sort of Masters's own fault. He had been recently operating a "superheroine love-doll" service out of Chile, farming out B- and C- list superheroines for "imaginative play" to wealthy businessmen.
Still, it is sad to see the macrocephalic prince of puppetry go. As such, I wanted to present a remembrance of sorts, something to mark the passing of this classic Lee & Kirby creation.
His last words: "I amused myself!"
That's right, Freebird -- amuse yourself. Fly. Go fly.
Goodbye, Funnyman.
